The 5 best Latin alternative songs of 2019 (so far): World Cafe: NPR

Beats y Bateria

David Nala Marques / Courtesy of the artist

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David Nala Marques / Courtesy of the artist

Beats y Bateria

David Nala Marques / Courtesy of the artist

We’re almost halfway through 2019 and have already been musically blessed with so many happy sounds. From ancestral Afro-Colombian psych-punk to exhilarating Latin hip-hop, bomba at banda, we have the impression that Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of music, makes us rain gold. Coffee of the world is there for all of it. Take a look and listen to five of our favorite Latinx Alternative songs of 2019 … so far.

Combo Chimbita, “Ahomale” https://www.npr.org/ “Brillo Más Que El Oro (La Bala Apuntándome)

Combo Chimbita released this set of jazzy Afro-Colombian tropi-psychedelic punk rock hymns as a preview of their second album, Ahomale, which is inspired by the Yoruba term of the same name. Carolina Oliveros, who leads these tropical futurists with a haunting contralto voice, says she sought to connect with ancestral cosmology, explaining, “I wanted the album to convey the search for a spiritual consciousness, which ultimately serves as a revelation.” Joining her on this cosmic journey is Prince of queens distributing thrilling booms and basses, with Niño Lento killing on guitar and Dilemastronauta while keeping everything in the perfection of the rhythmic drums.

OLMECA, “Define”

Los Angeles-based activist, scholar and MC David Barragan known as OLMECA, released one of the most unique hip-hop singles we’ve come across. To define is groundbreaking – a definitive celebration of Mexican, Puerto Rican and Latin roots music, with Latinx culture, tied to politically conscious and impactful word symmetries. To define features the Chicago son jarocho ensemble, Jarochicanos, as well as members of Dos Santos and an array of artisans from Chicago and Las Vegas. In To define, Olmeca has boldly designed together bomba, son jarocho, banda and jazz with hip-hop and an exciting trap slam. It’s no wonder he was honored with the 2019-2020 Kennedy Center Artist Award, being part of a panel of artists who will use their experience to create positive social impact.

Beats y Batería, “Alturas”

Beats YesBatería‘s electropico The Afro-Cuban and Moldovan project explores traditional Afro-Latino, Romanian and neo-electronic sounds, as well as jazz, house, a bit of disco and bossa nova. The trio is formed by producer Harold ‘AfroQbano’ Gonzalez on synths and percussion, with Daniel Crane on drums, and singer-songwriter Ana Munteanu’s enchanting dance-floor poetry resonates in multiple languages. This song, Alturas, is a tribute to Los Altos de Machu Picchu by Pablo Neruda.

The feat of Femina. Iggy Pop, “Resist”

Sisters Clara and Sofia Trucco and Clara Miglioli are from the mountainous region of San Martin de los Andes in Argentina. There they became part of the burgeoning hip-hop community and came together to form Female. This Latin folk, pop and hip-hop trio has given up Resist, out of his last album, Perlas & Conchas, which delves into the eternal questions of human existence, love and the duality of good versus evil. Their ethereal voices magically merge with the guest voices of “Godfather of Punk” Iggy Pop. This is the first recording by Selva Studios in Brooklyn, with the help of its owner, Quantic.

Charlie Rodd, “Soñar Contigo”

Charlie rodd represents a new wave of regional music combining a wide range of genres. This accomplished guitarist from Kinky’s hometown, Monterrey, Mexico, creates music ranging from nostalgic rockabilly to elements reminiscent of Tijuana electronics. “Soñar Contigo”, on the other hand, his most recent single, is a tender and moving folk song that wanders through the emotions of longing for love. Rodd is about to begin a tour with the Argentinian band Indios and give his first performance at Mexico’s infamous Auditorio Nacional.